pillow

1 of 2

noun

pil·​low ˈpi-(ˌ)lō 

1

a

: a support for the head of a reclining person

especially : one consisting of a cloth bag filled with feathers, down, sponge rubber, or plastic fiber

b

: something resembling a pillow especially in form

2

: a cushion or pad tightly stuffed and used as a support for the design and tools in making lace with a bobbin

pillowy

ˈpi-lə-wē 

adjective

pillow

2 of 2

verb

pillowed; pillowing; pillows

transitive verb

1

: to rest or lay on or as if on a pillow

2

: to serve as a pillow for

intransitive verb

: to lay or rest one's head on or as if on a pillow

Examples of pillow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

One charming extra service: a pillow menu, including scented pillows (lavender and peppermint were our preferred scent choices), body pillows, and more. —Hannah Selinger, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024

This Ralph Lauren travel set features a matching sleep mask, pillow and blanket that provides first-class comfort for all your travels. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024

An easy way to add interest to a living room is to add decorative pillows to a sofa or chair. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024

The pillow refills back to shape without the filling getting bunched in one area or just going flat after a few weeks like some cheaper body pillows. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pilwe, from Old English pyle (akin to Old High German pfuliwi), from Latin pulvinus

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1629, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pillow

• pillow block
• pillow fight
• pillow lace
• pillow slip
• pillow talk
• throw pillow

Kids Definition

pillow

1 of 2 noun

pil·​low ˈpil-ō 

: a bag filled with soft or springy material used as a cushion usually for the head of a person lying down

pillow

2 of 2 verb

1

: to place on or as if on a pillow

2

: to serve as a pillow for